Southern California -- this just in

7-Eleven coming to Burbank neighborhood despite residents' concerns

September 25, 2010 | 8:03
am

It wasn't the Slurpees that residents were protesting this week on a proposed 7-Eleven that would sell alcohol mere blocks from an existing franchise.

Concerned about the high concentration of businesses that already sell alcohol in the neighborhood and the potential of attracting noise and crime, residents testified against allowing the convenience store to move in during an appeals hearing before the City Council, which eventually voted 3 to 2 to allow the store.

On June 28, the Planning Board unanimously denied a conditional-use permit for Harry Sharma's 7-Eleven franchise at 2000 N. Hollywood Way to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption and operate between midnight and 6 a.m.

City code requires a permit for businesses to operate within 150 feet of residences during late-night hours.

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has determined that the proposed 7-Eleven would be in an area that already has four off-sale alcohol licenses, an undue concentration based on the surrounding area, according to the agency.

This project would be the second license over the recommended limit.

The City Council was asked to determine whether the project was either necessary or convenient in order to approve an additional license in the area.

The majority of public comments focused on the traffic and crime concerns associated with the perceived type of clientele they said a 7-Eleven brings in.